The Boston Bruins have been playing in a fog. At least, that's what it looked like on the ice through the first period. The Lightning started strong with 9 shots to Boston's 2 through the eighth minute when Vincent Lecavalier scored. The Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas was out of place and Vinny stuck after a Bolts defensive stop. After the first, the Bolts had 11 shots to Boston's 6.
Tampa Bay is playing physical hockey and skating circles around the Bruins. This seems understandable, the Bruins current win total is nearly double what Tampa Bay's has been and tonight was not expected to be a difficult match up, but it's encouraging to see the Bolts putting up a fight. The Lightning's second goal came from the backhand of Tom Pyatt, his fifth on the season.
The Bruins have tied the game quickly. Nathan Horton returned the favor in the 5th minute of the second, scoring a lone goal over Bolts goalie Garon, then scored again in the 17th minute. These are his 15th and 16th goals of the season.
The Lightning are dead last for the league in goals against. The Bolts need to be wary of the Power play, killing only 79% on the season, and converting a paltry 14%. Both stats are good for 25th in the NHL. The bolts have survived three penalties, the Bruins two. A high energy Third period is on the way!